Multiple remote control switch



May 15, 1956 s. PANTAGES 2,745,915

MULTIPLE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH Filed Jan. 28, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 .1 IE INVENTOR.

; STEVEN PANTAGES May 15, 1956 s. PANTAGES MULTIPLE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 28 1953 Mm Rm mm m MP 6 W.N 1 a w .l A /Wflrfl7./J n 0 m w w 6 Z Z D. Z n 4 H1 I 4 m H m, 4 M r w 7 up 4 4 5 4 a i 5 w 4 I- 7 W 5 5 5 4 6 Z 7 Z I 3 5 w 4 F I W I V w 4 y 5, 1956 s. PANTAGES MULTIPLE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH 3 Sheets-Shem. I)

Filed Jan. 28, 1953 INVENTOR,

STEVEN PANTAGES W AWWfl/Vfi United States Patent MULTIPLE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH Steven Pantages, New York, N. Y. Application January 28, 1953, Serial No. 333,693 10 Claims. (Cl. 200-11) This invention relates to electrical switches and, more particularly, to a multiple contact control switch.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an electrical switch which is capable of employment for a wide variety of purposes, such as for servocontrols, electronic computers, potentiometers, delay lines, remote control devices, timed controlled mecha ni'sm's, in the laboratory and in allied fields.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch of this kind which will be simple to make, easy to assemble and adjust, positive in action, efiicient and durable in service and a general improvement in the art.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a switch of this character which avoids jamming, makes timing possible, avoids crowding of contacts and makes recycling of a helical switch possible. I V

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

in the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a multiple switch embodying one form of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the switch of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through the center of the switch.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the transition points of the top disc of the switch.

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the transition points of the bottom disc of the switch.

Fig. 6 is a part elevational and part sectional view of the movable contacting recycling arm of the switch.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of a modified form of switch arm.

Fig. 8 is a part elevational and part sectional view of a modified form of recycling mechanism for contacting either side of the switch.

Fig. 9 is a part diagrammatic and part elevational view of a modified form of switch arm guided by a spiral path near the center of the switch.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view through the switch, the switch having a switch arm of the type shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional View of a modified form of switch for application to either a delay line mechanisin or to a potentiometer.

Fig. 12 is a top plan view or a modified form of switch disc showing a short connecting path in dotted lines.

Fig. 13 is a part diagrammatic and part elevational view showing the improved switch in use as a radio receiving set station selector.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a modification of the invention connected to the tuning control mechanisiir of a radio receiving set;

Fig. 15 is a a diagrammatic view of another modification of the invention connected to the rudder of a boat.

Referring to the drawings in detail, in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, the form of multiple remote control switch shown therein includes a disc 10 of insulating material and another disc 11 of similar material spaced from the disc 10 by a spacer ring 12 thereby providing a space 13 between the discs for receiving the switch arm mechanism hereinafter to be described. The discs are formed with central openings 14 to receive a rotatable shaft 15, which extends outwardly of both discs. The discs are held in spaced relation by screws 16 passing through he discs and the spacer ring 12.

Formed upon the inner surface of the disc 10 is a spiral or helical groove 17 of uniform depth except at the beginning thereof indicated at 18 and at the end thereof indicated at 19 whereby transition points are formed (see Fig. 4) for transferring from the deep part of the groove 17 to the face thereof.

Disc 11 is also provided on its inner surface with a similar spiral or helical groove 23 and having substantially the same shape and construction as groove 17 of disc Ill. The end portions 21 and 22 of the groove 20 are also shaped to form transition points from the deep part of the groove to the face of the groove (see Fig. 5).

The shaft 15, at the point where it passes across the space between the discs 16 and 11, is formed with a transverse opening 23. A sleeve 24 is secured in this opening and extends on both sides of the shaft. A rod or arm 25 is slidably and radially displaceable in the sleeve. Movably mounted on one end of the rod is a contact finger 26 of a length equal to the width of the space 13 plus the depth of one spiral groove. 7

By reason of this construction, it will be understood that during a rotation of the shaft 15, the contact finger 26 moves in either the spiral groove 17 of disc 10 or the spiral groove 20 of disc 11 depending upon the direction of rotation at the end portions 18 and 19 of disc 10 and 21 and 22 of disc 11, at which points the contact finger is transferred from one spiral groove to the other.

A plurality of stationary contacts 27 and 28 are mounted in grooves 17 and 20, respectively, said contacts having terminals 29 and 30, respectively, extending to the outer surface of the discs.

The contact finger 26 is adapted to ride in the groove of either disc. For example, if the contact finger 26 is at the end of the groove 17 of disc 10 and the shaft 15 is turned in one direction, the contact finger will ride around the groove with its end engaging the contacts 27 in said groove to close the circuit at each con tact. When the finger reaches the transition point 19, it will ride up the slanting portion thereof and be cammed into or transferred to the end 22 of the groove 2i) in the opposite disc 11 and carried around said groove 20.

In the modification shown in Fig. 9, the arm or rod 25 is formed with an extension 31 having a contact finger 32, which finger upon rotation of the shaft 15" rides in the groove or template 33 shown diagrammatically. This movement of finger 32 is imparted, through the rod 25', to the contact finger 26' on the opposite end of the rod 25. The finger 26 is adapted to ride in a groove or path 34 similar in shape and construction to the groove or template 33. The template or groove 33 can be of any shape desired. A template similar to template 33 can be placed in parallel with the end portions 18 and 19 of disc 10 of Fig. 4 and with the end portions 21 and 22 of disc 11 of Fig. 5, which end portions form the transition points for transferring the contact finger 26 from the groove of one disc to the groove of the other disc. The groove or path 34 in which the contact finger 26', rides may contain a resistance wire or delay line 35, such as shown in Fig. 11.

In all other respects, the form of the invention shown in Fig. 9 is the same as the form of Figs. 1 to 6 and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

The modified form of switch shown in Figs. 8 and 10 includes spaced upper and lower discs 10 and 11", respectively, which discs are held in spaced relation by sleeves 36 and are secured together by bolts 37 passing through the sleeves. The discs 10 and 11" have spiral grooves 33 and 39, respectively, on their inner surfaces. The grooves 38 and 39 have stationary contacts 40 and 41, respectively embedded therein. This form of the invention includes modified recycling mechanism for positioning the switch contact arm for contacting the stationary contacts of either the upper disc 10" or the lower disc 11". This mechanism includes the contact arm of rod 25" with its contact finger 26".

The contact finger 26" is normally urged into contact with the contacts 41 of the lower disc 11" by means of a coiled spring 42 on the shaft 15'. A block 43 is slidably mounted on the inner surface of the bottom disc 11" and is guided in its movement by guides 44 on said bottom disc. The block is operatively connected to the shaft 15" and is formed with a camming surface 45 for engagement with the arm or rod 25'.

In order to move the contact finger 26 into contact with the contacts 46 of the upper disc 10", the shaft 15" is manually rotated counterclockwise, as viewed in Fig. 8, by a knob 43 on top of shaft 15". Movement of the shaft moves block 43 which in turn forces a fiat latch spring 46, carried by the block, to become disengaged from :a stop 47 on the disc 10".

In order to return the finger 26 to contacting engagement with the contacts 41 of the lower disc 11', the shaft 15 is "turned clockwise whereby the 'block 43 is moved away from arm 25" to normal position with the latch spring 46 in holding position with the stop 47, permitting the spring 42 to urge the finger 26" downwardly into contact with the contacts 41. The arm 25 in its up and down movements is guided by an extension 42 on the top edge of the hub portion 44' coacting with guides 41' on top of the shaft 15".

In Fig. 8, the shaft has been turned clockwise and the contact arm 25 is shown in solid lines in lower position. The arm is shown in dotted lines in the upper position it assumes when the shaft is turned clockwise.

In Fig. 13, the improved switch is shown as a station selector for a radio receiving set. The movable switch arm 25 is extended and mechanically connected to a moving part of a clock mechanism shown diagrammatically at 48 by a rod 48, and is electrically connected to a radio receiving set shown diagrammatically at 49, by conductors 50, 51 and 52 leading to mechanism shown in detail in Fig. 14. Inserted in the surface of disc 10 of the switch in the path of movement of the contact finger 26 of the contact arm 25 are arcuate-shaped tuning contact members 53 and 54 in spaced relation, and arcuate-shaped duration contacts members 55 and 56. The tuning contacts 53 and 54 are connected electrically by the conductors and 51 and 52 to a double relay ratchet wheel operating mechanism shown in detail in Fig. 14. The switch contacts for turning the tuning condenser clockwise are connected to the conductors 50 and 51 and for turning the tuning condenser in a counterclockwise direction are connected to the conductors 51 and 52..

It will be understood that the switch may also be used as an automatic control device for timed operations applicable to boats, and may be used in connection with gyroscopic and orientation mechanisms.

In use, assuming that a program on the radio is desired which goes on in an hour and is of one-half hour duration. The present dial setting of the radio receiving set is observed and the number of divisions to the desired station is calculated. The movable arm 25 of the switch is then set so that an equal number of spaced contacts are interposed between the said arm and the duration con tact which is in its path of movement. Upon move ment of the switch arm 25, it engages contacts 27 successively and upon each engagement closes the circuit through relay 57 (Fig. 14) thereby energizing the same and causing the relay to turn the ratchet wheel '58 in a. clockwise direction, for example, as viewed in Fig. 14. The ratchet wheel 58 in turn rotates the tuning condenser of the radio receiving set.

The spaced switch contacts provided for tuning the tuning condenser in a counterclockwise direction are connected to relay 59 (Fig. 14) which when energized turns the ratchet wheel 58 in a counterclockwise direction and thus turns the tuning condenser in a similar direction.

A similar switch placed in exact parallel position could control the volume control mechanism of the radio receiving set, but transition points would then be necessary.

In Fig. 14, the improved switch is shown connected to relay mechanism for remotely controlling a television set. The relay mechanism includes the opposed relays 57 and 59. An armature 60 is interposed between the relays and is suspended from a rod 61 which is operatively connected to spokes 58 the ratchet wheel 58 through a V-shaped member 61. The ratchet wheel is mounted on a shaft 62 which in turn moves pulleys 63 and 64 through a flexible connection 65 for turning the shaft 66 of the dial of the television set. Relay 57 is connected by conductors 67 and 68 to the contacts of the upper disc 10' of the switch, and the relay 59 is connected by conductors 68 and 69 to the contacts of the lower disc 11' of the switch.

Conductor 68 is the common conductor and makes con tact with each of the relays by means of a step relay (not shown). The contacts of the upper disc of the switch thus control the energization of the relay 57, and the contacts of the lower disc control the energization of the relay 59. The relay 57 controls the movement of the ratchet wheel 58 through the rod 61 in one direction, and the relay 59 controls its movement in the opposite direction. A coil spring 72 having one end fastened to the armature 60 and its other end fixed to a stationary part 73 of the mechanism retracts the armature to normal position between the relay devices. It will be understood that any number of relays may be used.

In all other respect-s the form of the invention shown in Fig. 14 is the same as the form shown in Figs. 8 and 10 and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

Fig. 15 shows a modified form of remote control switch mechanism for controlling the movement of the rudder 74 of a boat. In this form, the switch shown diagrammatically at 75 controls, through the conductors 76 and 77, the frequency of the transmitter 78. Signals from the transmitter are transmitted through the antenna 79 to a re ceiving antenna 80, and, depending upon the frequency of the signals, are turned in by either receiver 81 or receiver 82. One of the receivers is tuned to a low frequency and the other to a higher frequency. Receiver 81 is connected by conductors 83 and 84 to a relay 85, and the receiver 82 is connected by conductors 86 and 87 to a relay 88. An armature 89 is interposed between the relay devices and is suspended from a rod 90 which is operatively connected to a ratchet wheel 91 mounted on a shaft 92. The rudder 74 of the boat is connected to shaft 92 and actuated thereby. The position of the rudder is predetermined by calibration of the switch 75 by means of a knob 75 and scale 75". The output of receiver 81 energizes relay for moving the ratchet wheel 91 in one direction, and the output of receiver 82 energizes relay 88 for moving the wheel in the opposite direction, the operation of the respective receivers depending upon the frequency of the signals transmitted. A resistance device 93 may be provided for retracting the armature 89 to normal position.

Fig. 7 discloses a modified form of switch contacting arm 25" which is secured at one end to the shaft 15" but which mounts a contact finger 26' slidable along the arm. The contact finger moves radially and transversely. Fig. 11 shows the arm 25" and contact finger 26'" of Fig. 7 embodied in a switch for use with a potentiometer. In this form, the resistance wire 35 is embedded in each of the grooves 17 and 20 in the disc members 10 and 11, respectively, which wires contact terminals 29' and 30" in the disc members 10 and 11, respectively.

In all other respects the form of invention shown in Fig. 11 is the same as the form in Fig. 1 and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

In Fig. 12 is shown a modified form of switch disc member 10" having a short arcuate shaped groove 94. This groove serves as a return path for the contact member 26 in order to begin recycling in either direction.

In all other respects the form of Fig. 12 is the same as the form shown in Fig. l and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred emboditnents of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming Within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described 'my invention, new, and desire to ent is:

I. In a multiple control switch comprising, in combination, a pair of spaced insulating disk members in superposed relation, a rotatable shaft extending centrally through said disk members, the opposed surfaces of said disk members being formed with spiral grooves, spaced stationary contacts in said grooves in spiral formation, a contacting arm slidably and rotatably supported by said shaft in the space between the disk members, a contact finger slidably mounted at the end of said arm for engaging said stationary contacts, means associated with the shaft for moving said contact finger into engagement with the contacts of either disk member upon rotation of the shaft in either a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction.

2. In a multiple control switch comprising, in combination, a pair of spaced insulating disk members in superposed relation, a rotatable shaft extending centrally through said disk members, the opposed surfaces of said disk members being formed with spiral grooves, spaced stationary contacts in said grooves in spiral formation, a contacting arm slidably and rotatably supported by said shaft in the space between the disk members, a contact finger carried at the end of said arm for engaging said stationary contacts, means associated with the shaft for moving said contact finger into engagement with the contacts of either disk member upon rotation of the shaft in either a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction including a slidable block operatively connected to the shaft and adapted to engage the contacting arm to move its contact finger into engagement with the contacts of one of said disk members.

3. In a multiple control switch comprising, in combin tion, a pair of spaced insulating disk members in superposed relation, a rotatable shaft extending centrally through said disk members, the opposed surfaces of said disk members being formed with spiral grooves, spaced stationary contacts in said grooves in spiral formation, a contacting arm slidably and rotatably supported by said shaft in the space between the disk members, a contact finger carried at the end of said arm for engaging the contacts of either disk member, spring means on the shaft for urging said contact finger into engagement with the contacts on one of said disk members, a slidable block on one of said disk members in the space between said disk members, a spring latch member carried by said block, a stop member on the other disk member adapted to engage said latch for holding the block "against movement, and means of connection between the block and shaft whereby upon movement of said shaft in one direction the block is moved into engagement with the contacting arm for moving its contact finger into engagement with the contacts of the what I claim as secure by United States Letters Patother disk member against the action of said spring latch and said spring means on the shaft.

4. In a multiple control switch, a pair of spaced insulating disk members in superposed relation, a rotatable conducting shaft extending centrally through said disk members, the opposed surfaces of said disk members being formed with spiral grooves, spacedstationary contacts in said grooves, a contacting arm slidably and rotatably supported on said shaft in the space between the disk members. a contact finger on each end of said arm, a template of the same configuration as said grooves disposed in a plane with one of said disk members, one of said contact fingers being adapted to ride in one of said grooves and the other contact finger in the template guide.

5. In a multiple control switch comprising, in combination, a pair of spaced insulating disk members in superposed relation, a rotatable shaft extending centrally through said disk members, the opposed surfaces of said disk members being formed with spiral grooves, spaced stationary contacts in said grooves in spiral formation, a contacting arm slidably and rotatably mounted on said shaft in the space between the disk members, a contact finger carried at the end of said arm for engaging the contacts of either disk member, spring means on the shaft for urging said contact finger into engagement with the contacts on one of said disk members, a slidable block on one of said disk members in the space between said disk members, a spring latch member carried by said block, a stop member on the other disk member adapted to engage said latch for holding the block against movement, means or connection between the block and shaft whereby upon movement of said shaft in one direction the block is moved into engagement with the contacting arm for moving its contact finger into engagement with the contacts of the other disk member against the action of said spring latch and said spring means on the shaft, and means for guiding the movements of said contacting arm including a hub on the end of the contacting arm encircling the shaft, an extension on the upper edge of said hub and spaced guide members on the shaft coacting with said extension.

6. A multiple control switch comprising two spaced apart, parallel insulating members, prearranged formations of stationary contacts on the confronting surfaces of said insulating members, a contacting member in the space between said insulating members and alternatively engageable with the formations of contacts on said insulating members, means constraining said contacting member to move along the formation of contacts with which it is engaged, and recycling means operative to shift said contacting member from engagement with the formation of contacts on one of said insulating members into engagement with the formation of contacts on the other insulating member in a continuous cycle.

7. A multiple control switch comprising two spaced apart, parallel insulating members having helical grooves in their confronting surfaces with the ends of the helical groove of one of said insulating members lying adjacent the related ends of the helical groove of the other insulating member, spaced apart stationary contacts in each of said grooves, a contacting member alternatively engageable with the contacts in the helical grooves of said one and other insulating members, means supporting said contacting member for movement along said grooves and for shifting movement in the direction normal to said confronting surfaces of said insulating members, and recycling means operative, when said contacting member reaches an end of the groove containing the contacts with which it is engaged, to shift said contacting member into engagement with the formation of contacts in the other of said grooves.

8. A multiple control switch comprising two coaxial, spaced apart insulating discs having spirally arranged series of contacts on their confronting surfaces with the ends of the series of contacts on one of said discs being adjacent the ends of the series of contacts on the other of said discs, a rotatable shaft extending centrally through said discs, a radial arm on said shaft between said discs, a contacting member supported on said arm and movable radially and axially with respect to said arm for alternatively engaging and moving along one or the other of said series of contacts, means operative to constrain said contacting member to move along the series of contacts with which it is engaged in response to rotation of said shaft, and recycling means operative to shift said contacting member axially from engagement with one of said series of contacts into engagement with the other of said series of contacts When said contracting member reaches an end of the series of contacts with which it has been engaged.

9. A multiple control switch according to claim 8; wherein said confronting surfaces of the discs have spiral grooves parallel to, and spaced radially from, the related spirally arranged series of contacts, and a groove follower is fixed relative to said contacting member zuld engageable alternatively in said grooves, said spiral grooves and groove follower constituting'said means operative to constrain the contacting member to move along the series of contacts with which it is engaged.

10. A multiple control switch according to claim 8, wherein said confronting surfaces of the discs have spiral grooves thereinwith said series of contacts being disposed tacting member when the latter. engages the related series of contacts and thereby constitutes said means operative to. constrain the contacting member to move along the series of contacts with which it is engaged.

References Cited the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,280,831 Pitkethly et a1. Oct. 8, 1918 1,360,371 Cuthbert Nov. 30, 1920 1,409,879 Manley Mar. 14, 1922 1,770,000 Kuhlman July 8, 1930 1,785,779 Lauter Dec. 23, 1930 1,832,474 Bludworth Nov. 17, 1931 2,428,297 Seeley Sept. 30, 1947 2,429,592 Beagles Oct.28, 1947 2,473,907 Ridgely June 21,1949 2,580,453 Murray et a1. Jan.l, 1952 2,585,640 Everitt Feb. 12, 1952 2,614,213 Tynan Oct. 14, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 319,861 Great Britain Oct. 3, 1929 

